Ten Days Of Onam

The festival of Onam continues for a period of ten days in Kerala.Which start from the Attam nakshatram of Chingam (the first Malayalam month) last until Thiruvonam, the tenth day of Onam. In kerala Avittam and Chatayam (the days following Thiruvonam) are also considered important. 

First Day - Attam 

Attam marks the beginning of Onam festival. The day is considered holy and auspicious by the Malayalees. On the day, people get up early in the morning, take bath and offer players by visiting the nearby temple. After having breakfast, they start their celebrations for the day.This is done to welcome the holy spirit of legendary King Mahabali that is believed to visit Kerala during Onam. A grand procession called Athachamyam is also carried on the day of Atham to mark the beginning of the grand carnival of Onam.From this day onwards, Pookkalam is laid for the following nine days of Onam.

Second Day - Chithira

The second day is known as Chitira. On this day, there are no special rituals to be performed but people visit the temples to seek the blessings of God. Maiden girls add more flowers to the Pookalam.

Third Day - Chodhi 

The third day is called the Chodhi or Chothi and is marked with a lot of activities. The day also witnesses a buzz of people in the market; people get engrossed in buying new apparels, accessories and various items of decorations for the households. 

Fourth Day - Visakam

Visakam is the fourth day of Onam.. Women engage in preparation of elaborate meal of Onasadya on Thiruvonam. Making of various types of pickles and pappadams (papad) along with various other things begins on this day. It is an attractive sight to watch women dressed in their traditional attire working on the Pookalam.

Fifth Day - Anizham 

The fifth day of the festival highlights the event of grand Snake Boat Race, called Vallamkali. This popular competition happens on the banks of river Pamba at Aranmula. A lot of tourists visit here to witness the liveliness and passion involved in the race. Each boat is decked with flowers and is oared by hundreds of oarsmen. In Kerala, by this time, excitement spreads in the atmosphere. 

Sixth Day - Thriketa 

Triketta or Thriketa is the sixth day of the festivities of Onam. Cultural programmes and social gatherings are organised by various cultural societies all over the state.No rituals are specific for Thriketa. People decorate their homes and add new flowers to their already laid Pookkalam. It is the time for family reunion from various parts of the world to kerala.

Seventh Day - Moolam 

Moolam is the seventh day of the festival of Onam. During the day, the commercial areas of the state are filled with the bright color of the festivities. People overcrowd the market places for their last-minute Onam shopping. By this time, the spirit of joy and happiness increases manifold and is clearly reflected from the eyes of the people of Kerala.

Eighth Day - Pooradam

Eight of this ten-day festival is an important day, where the devotees create clay idols in the shape of small pyramids. The idols created on this day of Pooradam, are also called Poorada Uttigal. Every idol is adorned with flowers. Cleaning of the houses begin rigorously as people want to ensure that everything looks neat and tidy to welcome the Lord.

Ninth Day - Uthradam

Uthradam is the ninth day of Onam. In some regions of Kerala, full fledged preparations for Onam kick-start on Uthradam itself. On the day, Onakkazhcha is given by the tenants and farmers, to the Karnavar (eldest member of the family) of Nair Tharawad (Nair household). The farmers bring produce of their farms to the Nair Tharawad, in return of which, they are greeted and treated with sweets by the Karnavar.

Tenth Day - Thiruvonam

The tenth day is known as Thiruvonam; this is the main day of Onam.Thiruvonam is marked by huge fanfare, with people all over Kerala indulged in the celebrations. Events begin early morning on this day, with people cleaning their houses, wearing new clothes and participating in special prayers organised in homes and temples. In the noon the grand feast of Onam called Onasadya is prepared. Consisting of 11 to 13 compulsory dishes (strictly vegetarian) which are served on a banana leaf, Onasadya is the most important part of Onam. Dances, games, shows and get together are the other highlights of the day. Patassu (fire crackers) are also burnt to celebrate the grand occasion.